What struck me most about “In the Land of Women” (2007) was the subdued acting of Adam Brody known for his nerdy sarcastic humorous portrayal of Seth Cohen in the O.C. TV Show (2003-2007).   He actually showed some good dramatic acting chops in this movie. I likened him to a young Tom Hanks and was surprised to see that this actor has an acting range that I hope Hollywood will continue to tap into for more roles.

Adam Brody and Kristen Stewart

Every young man who has had his heart broken by that beautiful girl that he is head over heels for can relate to Brody’s Carter Webb.  His object of affection was a beautiful actress who he later finds out dumped him for Colin Farrell.  Ouch!  

Adam Brody and Meg Ryan

What does a guy do?   Get plastered with a tubful of beers and go into a frenzy of one night stands of no strings attached encounters?  Not Carter Webb from Los Angeles.  He goes to live with his senile grandmother (played wonderfully by Olympia Dukakis) back east.

Adam Brody as Carter Webb

Carter has this innate ability to have women confide in him.  Soon he becomes the confidante of the cancer stricken woman (Meg Ryan) living next door to his grandmother who is also dealing with a husband who is having an affair.  He also becomes close friends with the lady’s daughter (Kristen Stewart) who is dealing with teen angst and mother/daughter issues. Things get complicated because both become attracted to Carter.

His grandmother is always talking about her pending death much to Carter’s chagrin.  He deals with her growing dementia but also gains wisdom from her.  Ultimately, he learns that the root of his relationship issues lies within him. It is in this journey in the land of women that helps to get him to the place that he needs.

This is more than a coming of age movie as it is a coming of manhood movie.  It is where some nuggets of wisdom finally attaches itself to our life’s experience and helps us takes our next steps forward into that journey.